Delhi Police intensified their security measures ahead of New Year celebrations by apprehending over 600 people during ‘Operation Aaghat 3.0’ in the South-East district.
The 24-hour operation, conducted between December 26 and 27, 2025, focused on habitual offenders, bootleggers, and street criminals. Of those held, 331 were arrested under specific acts including the Excise Act and NDPS Act, while 504 were taken into preventive custody.
Led by DCP Hemant Tiwari, the sweep aimed to ensure a safe environment for the public during the festive season. Latest reports confirm the recovery of 21 country-made pistols, 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor, and hundreds of stolen mobile phones.
What is Operation Aaghat?
Operation Aaghat is a large-scale, coordinated law enforcement initiative launched by the Delhi Police to curb organised crime and maintain public order.
Now in its third phase, known as Operation Aaghat 3.0, the drive specifically targets habitual offenders, drug peddlers, bootleggers, and individuals involved in street crimes like snatching and robbery.
By focusing on identified “hotspots” in districts like South-East Delhi, the operation aims to disrupt criminal networks through intelligence-led raids. It serves as a pre-emptive strike to ensure that festive periods, such as the New Year, remain safe and peaceful for residents.
Motive of Operation Aaghat 3.0
‘Operation Aaghat 3.0’ was launched as a proactive measure to cleanse the streets of criminal elements before the year-end rush. This third phase of the district-wide initiative targeted “hotspots” in South-East Delhi where street crimes like snatching and robbery are prevalent.
By deploying over 600 police personnel, the department aimed to disrupt local gangs and “bad characters” who often exploit the holiday crowds. The timing was critical, serving as a deterrent against any potential law-and-order disruptions during one of the city’s most active social periods.
What did Delhi Police do?
Under the leadership of DCP Hemant Tiwari, police personnel carried out an intensive 24-hour sweep between December 26 and 27, 2025. The force conducted surprise raids at 157 locations, set up pickets for vehicle checking, and intensified night surveillance.
They rounded up a total of over 600 people for questioning and verification. While 331 individuals were formally arrested for specific offences under acts like the NDPS and Arms Act, 504 others were placed in preventive custody.
The police also targeted 116 “bad characters” with criminal records to deter them from committing offences during the year-end festivities.
Official Statistics
The scale of the operation is evident in the substantial recoveries made by the police. Beyond the 600 apprehensions, officials seized 21 country-made pistols, 27 knives, and 6.01 kg of ganja.
Additionally, 310 stolen mobile phones and 231 two-wheelers were recovered, directly hitting the logistics of local snatchers.
DCP Hemant Tiwari told the media that the operation was about “maximum visibility and impact” to prevent untoward incidents in residential areas and clusters. He added that stringent legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, would be invoked against repeat offenders to ensure long-term stability in the district.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that public safety is essential for a peaceful society, particularly during times of communal joy.
While we commend the Delhi Police for their efficiency in removing illegal weapons and drugs from our streets, the necessity of apprehending nearly a thousand people in a single night is a sobering reflection of urban challenges.
True harmony cannot be achieved through enforcement alone; it requires a collective commitment to empathy, education, and addressing the socio-economic roots of crime.
